Press Releases
Boisset America Purchases DeLoach Vineyards & Winery
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., November 14th, 2003 - Boisset America, the U.S. subsidiary of family-owned Boisset, La Famille des Grands Vins, France's third-largest wine company, announced today that it has taken the last significant step in its purchase of Sonoma's DeLoach Vineyards, with the approval of the sale by a U.S. Court. The transaction includes a Russian River Valley winery and tasting room, hospitality suite, vineyards, brand and trademark rights, inventory, and equipment. As part of the agreement, Boisset has also structured long term grape purchase contracts with the DeLoach family on other Sonoma vineyards. The acquisition is expected to close on November 17th, 2003.
The purchase gives Boisset a solid presence in one of California's most prestigious viticultural areas, especially known for its premium Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. "We are thrilled to continue the wonderful work begun by Cecil DeLoach and his family" said Jean-Charles Boisset, President of Boisset America. "We view this transition as a partnership between our two families which will give us together the opportunity to take the DeLoach portfolio to the next level, while at the same time allowing us to further our quest for great terroirs in one of the world's best wine producing regions."
In recent years, Boisset has become involved in several properties around the world that offer exceptional terroirs suitable for the plantation of traditional Burgundian grapes (Chardonnay and Pinot Noir) as well as local varietals. These ventures are united under a common philosophy: the creation of superior wines which respect the unique terroirs from which they are born. Accordingly, the winemaking approach is to allow local soils and climates to express themselves as much as possible, often relying on organic or biodynamic methods and reduced yields. Le Domaine de la Vougeraie in Burgundy, Boisset's homeland, is at the epicenter of these projects, which fall under the group Les Domaines Boisset.*
The techniques practiced at DeLoach lend themselves well to this long term philosophy. Winemaker Dan Cedarquist will remain in charge of winemaking at DeLoach to ensure consistency of style and quality. Over time, Boisset will work with him to bring a greater organic influence to the winery and further develop the distinctive DeLoach style, which seeks to enhance the defining characteristics of each vineyard and appellation. Special attention will be given to the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay (Boisset's expertise), and the Zinfandel wines for which DeLoach is so well-known, as one of the first wineries to have explored its possibilities. The famous ranches planted with very old Zinfandel vines will still be part of the portfolio.
Boisset America is scheduled to take over winery operations starting November 17th, 2003, and Michael DeLoach, Cecil's son, will remain involved with the winery. Both the tasting room and wine club will stay open and active.
